2.5 stars Some nicely creepy moments, and along the lines of what I'd hoped for from Welcome to the Dark House--sort of a mad funhouse type of caper.2.5 stars Some nicely creepy moments, and along the lines of what I'd hoped for from Welcome to the Dark House--sort of a mad funhouse type of caper.

But the four kids' stories start running into each other and don't really go anywhere (I think it would have been better to cut down on the number of kids or to explore the stories more deeply), and the creep/tension aren't pushed far enough. The style of the black and white photographs and the set-up make it feel a bit like a very facile, slick middle grade version of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

Nearly downrated the star rating because it was also annoying that the book ends abruptly, and apparently there's a sequel. No need for either. With more development, this could have been a perfectly good horror book on its own....more

Well, this was utterly delightful! Tricky cannibals, a ball of nightmares that follows you around, and many more strange and wonderful inhabitants. ThWell, this was utterly delightful! Tricky cannibals, a ball of nightmares that follows you around, and many more strange and wonderful inhabitants. This short but rich book is written with masterful style, and manages to make its characters endearing without being maudlin--and without trying too hard for sentimentality and quirkiness. And it's funny! In a very sly, deadpan way, particularly in the first story which cleverly implies the origins of the phrase "an arm and a leg."

Closest thing I've read in modern lit to Grimm's fairy tales--complete with macabre events and the occasional thoughtful morality tale. This is an author whose writing style is sophisticated and shows great restraint, and one who trusts in his readers--no matter their age--to follow along.

Audio Notes: LOVED the audio version narrated by the incomparable Simon Callow, whose plummy voice pronounces the delicious words with utmost care. I very much liked his different voices as well, and special applause for voicing young female characters with sympathy and appreciation.

Those who enjoyed the Harry Potter audio versions (Jim Dale or Stephen Fry) should definitely pick this one up, as I think the stories are similarly appealing and this voice performance is even better.

3.5 stars A really terrific high-concept scifi novel--except it kinda lost me once, well, midnight is burned. It's the same problem I had with THE FOL3.5 stars A really terrific high-concept scifi novel--except it kinda lost me once, well, midnight is burned. It's the same problem I had with THE FOLD--great premise, engrossing plot, decent characterization, engaging narrative voice, and then the direction the story went/the reveal felt rather silly.

I liked it tremendously up until that point, however, so I'm rounding up in star ratings, even though the resolution and ending felt underdeveloped and a bit rushed. (Surprising, considering how carefully and methodically the pieces were assembled in the first two thirds of the book.)

I hope the author writes more YA in the future, though. I'd definitely check that out.

Very different from anything I've read before, in a good way. I liked how the MC developed in particular, and that the story keeps you guessing. RevieVery different from anything I've read before, in a good way. I liked how the MC developed in particular, and that the story keeps you guessing. Review to come.

But I gotta say, women writers are ON FIRE this year with the sly digs at Jonathan Franzen. *insert smirk emoji*...more

I don't understand why so few people I know have read this, because it's incredibly fun.

If you liked Rachel Bach's Paradox scifi series or the Jason Bourne films (plus diverse MCs! Star Trek-y dilemmas! Spaaace.), this book is gonna rock your world. Also an easy transition for YA readers if you want to venture into adult SF.

3.5 stars I really enjoyed this series, though this one is my least favorite. Points for the sister plot line (both her smart, sassy character and his3.5 stars I really enjoyed this series, though this one is my least favorite. Points for the sister plot line (both her smart, sassy character and his protectiveness towards her), as well as the eventual (view spoiler)[adoption (hide spoiler)] bit. I think the orgy scene was meant to be edgier/hotter than it was, though, and it just didn't quite work/ring true for me. Or maybe I'm just cynical and think that everybody would jump right in and touch everybody else at that point, hah.

Really like this author, though. Must read her older titles, and the Akira one....more